tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8730710842421395302017-11-24T12:50:45.808+02:00Viktor's DIYViktor Takacshttps://plus.google.com/113144804525911661050noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125ViktorsDiyhttps://feedburner.google.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873071084242139530.post-6392998577986231412017-02-05T18:43:00.003+02:002017-02-05T18:43:58.059+02:00ActoSenso Server - Controlling it allViktor Takacshttps://plus.google.com/113144804525911661050noreply@blogger.com0
Introduction
Although optional, having a central coordinator (ActoSenso Server) in an automation environment can open up new possibilities. Advantages of having an ActoSenso Server include more processing power, more mass storage (for historical data), easier to develop business logic, etc.
Current setup: RPi 3 and an external hard disk
Options for an ActoSenso Server
Almost any <div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=nC5TVT0wIkM:anvJmpuCXV8:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=nC5TVT0wIkM:anvJmpuCXV8:-BTjWOF_DHI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?i=nC5TVT0wIkM:anvJmpuCXV8:-BTjWOF_DHI" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=nC5TVT0wIkM:anvJmpuCXV8:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?i=nC5TVT0wIkM:anvJmpuCXV8:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ViktorsDiy/~4/nC5TVT0wIkM" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://diy.viktak.com/2017/02/actosenso-server-controlling-it-all.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873071084242139530.post-11622989448376608612016-12-21T07:27:00.000+02:002016-12-21T07:27:56.609+02:00ActoSenso NodesViktor Takacshttps://plus.google.com/113144804525911661050noreply@blogger.com0
Introduction
In the previous article I described the system overview of my automation platform, which I call ActoSenso Platform. In this article I discuss some of the nodes that can be (and I have) used in ActoSenso Platform. Any suggestion, tip for improvement, constructive criticism or related comment is mostly welcome in the comments area.
Welcome screen of an ActoSenso Node
What is <div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=RYSGJ8wtn1M:Awra18GS4JI:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=RYSGJ8wtn1M:Awra18GS4JI:-BTjWOF_DHI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?i=RYSGJ8wtn1M:Awra18GS4JI:-BTjWOF_DHI" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=RYSGJ8wtn1M:Awra18GS4JI:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?i=RYSGJ8wtn1M:Awra18GS4JI:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ViktorsDiy/~4/RYSGJ8wtn1M" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://diy.viktak.com/2016/12/actosenso-nodes.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873071084242139530.post-78576503496959881992016-11-19T19:33:00.000+02:002016-11-19T19:33:36.720+02:00ActoSenso - My Automation Project - System OverviewViktor Takacshttps://plus.google.com/113144804525911661050noreply@blogger.com0
Introduction
Over the past few months I have created an easily expandable, well scaling and easy to optimize solution for controlling and otherwise bringing together a wide range of disparate devices.
With it one can gather data from all kinds of sensors (e.g. light, noise, pollution, position, etc) to keep a log, or aggregate data and display them in a centralized manner as well as make <div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=ZZZhQ2AZxtU:4fA0UdvD4cQ:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=ZZZhQ2AZxtU:4fA0UdvD4cQ:-BTjWOF_DHI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?i=ZZZhQ2AZxtU:4fA0UdvD4cQ:-BTjWOF_DHI" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=ZZZhQ2AZxtU:4fA0UdvD4cQ:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?i=ZZZhQ2AZxtU:4fA0UdvD4cQ:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ViktorsDiy/~4/ZZZhQ2AZxtU" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://diy.viktak.com/2016/11/actosenso-my-automation-project-system.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873071084242139530.post-16470039269513630102016-02-29T18:10:00.000+02:002016-04-07T15:21:27.987+03:00Installing OpenWrt on D-Link DIR-600 RouterViktor Takacshttps://plus.google.com/113144804525911661050noreply@blogger.com0
Introduction
The D-Link DIR-600 is a consumer grade router. Although it's not a new model, it is still a very capable router at a price tag and feature set that is difficult to beat. Also, OpenWrt can be installed on it to make it even more capable and more configurable.
The DIR-600 comes in several different hardware revisions. My router is B5. This is important as each hardware revision <div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=HMbbYFOa2Rw:w0QvQg1iLfs:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=HMbbYFOa2Rw:w0QvQg1iLfs:-BTjWOF_DHI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?i=HMbbYFOa2Rw:w0QvQg1iLfs:-BTjWOF_DHI" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=HMbbYFOa2Rw:w0QvQg1iLfs:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?i=HMbbYFOa2Rw:w0QvQg1iLfs:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ViktorsDiy/~4/HMbbYFOa2Rw" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://diy.viktak.com/2016/02/installing-openwrt-on-d-link-dir-600.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873071084242139530.post-35066205412816369932015-05-22T11:54:00.000+03:002015-05-22T12:16:07.896+03:00Internet of Things (IoT) with ESP8266 - Proof of ConceptViktor Takacshttps://plus.google.com/113144804525911661050noreply@blogger.com0
Introduction
Recently, I finished my first, usable IoT prototype on a breadboard. It is a simple unit, consisting of an LED (emulating a digital output) and a switch (emulating a digital input). Many of the IoT applications can be traced back to this simple application, so even if a particular application needs more than the capabilities of my prototype, the processes, methods, modules and <div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=JdW4Q71Ucag:bvGwd0glM7o:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=JdW4Q71Ucag:bvGwd0glM7o:-BTjWOF_DHI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?i=JdW4Q71Ucag:bvGwd0glM7o:-BTjWOF_DHI" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=JdW4Q71Ucag:bvGwd0glM7o:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?i=JdW4Q71Ucag:bvGwd0glM7o:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ViktorsDiy/~4/JdW4Q71Ucag" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://diy.viktak.com/2015/05/internet-of-things-iot-with-esp8266.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873071084242139530.post-15872302445324212242015-05-16T17:02:00.000+03:002015-05-16T17:02:14.094+03:00Installing Mosquitto for Use with ESP8266Viktor Takacshttps://plus.google.com/113144804525911661050noreply@blogger.com0
Introduction
I am working on a home automation project which required I installed Mosquitto, an open source MQTT broker, on my Raspberry Pi. Installation went smoothly, so a few minutes after first hearing about Mosquitto it was ready to be used on my RPi.
Next, I tested it by subscribing to topics and publishing messages from different SSH sessions, all without a problem.
Problem
When I <div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=Oo3fad0dx78:BM7v4bY_85g:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=Oo3fad0dx78:BM7v4bY_85g:-BTjWOF_DHI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?i=Oo3fad0dx78:BM7v4bY_85g:-BTjWOF_DHI" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=Oo3fad0dx78:BM7v4bY_85g:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?i=Oo3fad0dx78:BM7v4bY_85g:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ViktorsDiy/~4/Oo3fad0dx78" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://diy.viktak.com/2015/05/installing-mosquitto-for-use-with.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873071084242139530.post-9035202808074354932015-05-10T15:06:00.000+03:002015-05-10T15:06:21.546+03:00Fridge Magnets from your Own PhotosViktor Takacshttps://plus.google.com/113144804525911661050noreply@blogger.com0
Introduction
This is not a pure DIY project in the sense I also used a third party company to achieve my goal. Nevertheless, it's a fun and pleasant one if you like photography as I do (I am also a photographer). In this article I will describe a novel way of using your favorite photographs.
A sheet of my very own fridge magnets
Searching for the new stuff
I am currently in the <div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=EgGnqUk2cvI:Oq5UeBTMMRU:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=EgGnqUk2cvI:Oq5UeBTMMRU:-BTjWOF_DHI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?i=EgGnqUk2cvI:Oq5UeBTMMRU:-BTjWOF_DHI" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=EgGnqUk2cvI:Oq5UeBTMMRU:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?i=EgGnqUk2cvI:Oq5UeBTMMRU:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ViktorsDiy/~4/EgGnqUk2cvI" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://diy.viktak.com/2015/05/fridge-magnets-from-your-own-photos.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873071084242139530.post-18877767592799617762015-01-03T13:40:00.001+02:002016-11-18T18:40:17.574+02:00My Development Environment on the Raspberry PiViktor Takacshttps://plus.google.com/113144804525911661050noreply@blogger.com0
Introduction
I have been playing around the the Raspberry Pi for a while now, doing basic projects to get the hang of it. These projects have been very simple so far, not even worth blogging about them, but I found myself recreating the same (or very similar) environment on the RPi every time I started a new project. The reason I start from scratch every time is to learn all the special <div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=5DUWbqh72d8:mfMNiJBYdnM:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=5DUWbqh72d8:mfMNiJBYdnM:-BTjWOF_DHI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?i=5DUWbqh72d8:mfMNiJBYdnM:-BTjWOF_DHI" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=5DUWbqh72d8:mfMNiJBYdnM:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?i=5DUWbqh72d8:mfMNiJBYdnM:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ViktorsDiy/~4/5DUWbqh72d8" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://diy.viktak.com/2015/01/my-development-environment-on-raspberry.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873071084242139530.post-10182209798428859492014-12-06T19:40:00.000+02:002014-12-09T10:52:39.917+02:00First Experiences with the ESP8266Viktor Takacshttps://plus.google.com/113144804525911661050noreply@blogger.com0
Introduction
The latest "craze" among embedded electronics engineers is the tiny chip called ESP8266. It's a low cost, low power, high performance chip allowing wireless connectivity with your wifi network. In the following I would like to share my experiences setting up such a module for the first time.
The module is barely larger than a 1 euro coin.
Using the ESP8266 module with a <div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ViktorsDiy/~4/ZpypMkcDn08" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://diy.viktak.com/2014/12/first-experiences-with-esp8266.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873071084242139530.post-55864901449986395302014-08-25T11:19:00.002+03:002014-08-25T11:19:18.271+03:00Repurposing a Laptop screen as a Universal Test Display RigViktor Takacshttps://plus.google.com/113144804525911661050noreply@blogger.com0
Introduction
Although I am fairly well set up for working with multiple computers on a single monitor (using a 4 channel KVM switch), from time to time I have an extra equipment, be it a PC, laptop, or any other consumer electronic device that needs a display to interact with it, that is always a pain to hook up with a monitor or TV for trouble shooting. As I recently had success experimenting<div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=BfmSoCb9whw:JNxy7kWgVq0:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=BfmSoCb9whw:JNxy7kWgVq0:-BTjWOF_DHI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?i=BfmSoCb9whw:JNxy7kWgVq0:-BTjWOF_DHI" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=BfmSoCb9whw:JNxy7kWgVq0:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?i=BfmSoCb9whw:JNxy7kWgVq0:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ViktorsDiy/~4/BfmSoCb9whw" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://diy.viktak.com/2014/08/repurposing-laptop-screen-as-universal.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873071084242139530.post-6284942944987353042014-07-23T12:16:00.001+03:002014-07-23T12:16:32.104+03:00How to Recover a Laptop After a Failed BIOS UpdateViktor Takacshttps://plus.google.com/113144804525911661050noreply@blogger.com0
Introduction
A few days ago I managed to brick my Compaq Mini 311 netbook by mistakenly flashing the wrong BIOS image. The computer only switched on the CPU fan for a moment when I pressed the Power on button, then it switched off, nothing worked, no lights were on.
Since the netbook was working perfectly well before the BIOS update I immediately knew that the wrong BIOS image was at fault.<div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=JSHaF-898Ys:uTz5vi4c2Kk:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=JSHaF-898Ys:uTz5vi4c2Kk:-BTjWOF_DHI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?i=JSHaF-898Ys:uTz5vi4c2Kk:-BTjWOF_DHI" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=JSHaF-898Ys:uTz5vi4c2Kk:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?i=JSHaF-898Ys:uTz5vi4c2Kk:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ViktorsDiy/~4/JSHaF-898Ys" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://diy.viktak.com/2014/07/how-to-recover-laptop-after-failed-bios.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873071084242139530.post-56770465773624084432014-06-26T16:29:00.000+03:002014-06-26T16:29:07.146+03:00WiFi Repeater RescueViktor Takacshttps://plus.google.com/113144804525911661050noreply@blogger.com0
Introduction
I have been using a cheap, no-name wifi repeater in our house for about a year. It is of the type that you plug in a mains socket on the wall (after configuring it with a computer) and you forget about it. It's done a good job (i.e. zero maintenance) until a few days ago, when one day I realized it was not working. Only its red power LED was blinking, and we all know the red <div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=3b1-21hYdvs:wkgBy63F2mo:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=3b1-21hYdvs:wkgBy63F2mo:-BTjWOF_DHI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?i=3b1-21hYdvs:wkgBy63F2mo:-BTjWOF_DHI" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=3b1-21hYdvs:wkgBy63F2mo:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?i=3b1-21hYdvs:wkgBy63F2mo:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ViktorsDiy/~4/3b1-21hYdvs" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://diy.viktak.com/2014/06/wifi-repeater-rescue.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873071084242139530.post-81841819485477793242014-05-04T08:42:00.001+03:002014-05-04T08:42:20.224+03:00My Experiences with BatikViktor Takacshttps://plus.google.com/113144804525911661050noreply@blogger.com0
Introduction
In the past few weeks I have neglected this blog a little bit. With a good reason, though: I had the privilege to travel a bit in Indonesia.
I could write a book about my experiences on this trip, but it would be off topic on this blog. However, there is an aspect of my trip that fits in with this blog's theme: DIY.
Some of the ready batik sheets for sale in a shop in the <div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=NIoRRu1zcU8:St4_L72KHrA:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=NIoRRu1zcU8:St4_L72KHrA:-BTjWOF_DHI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?i=NIoRRu1zcU8:St4_L72KHrA:-BTjWOF_DHI" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=NIoRRu1zcU8:St4_L72KHrA:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?i=NIoRRu1zcU8:St4_L72KHrA:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ViktorsDiy/~4/NIoRRu1zcU8" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://diy.viktak.com/2014/05/my-experiences-with-batik.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873071084242139530.post-9127316634696595412014-02-17T21:30:00.000+02:002014-02-17T21:30:07.589+02:00Giving New Life to LCD Screens from Old Laptops, TVs, Monitors, etc.Viktor Takacshttps://plus.google.com/113144804525911661050noreply@blogger.com0
Introduction
Over the years I have collected quite a few laptops (among many other things...). I usually pick them up when my friends and relatives get a new laptop and they throw away the old ones. Most of these laptops are not working and/or very old (i.e. around 15 years old, sometimes even more). I collect them because, even though they are not usable any more as laptops, I can sometimes <div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=kUglkrBM3Zk:eciMhz1klBY:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=kUglkrBM3Zk:eciMhz1klBY:-BTjWOF_DHI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?i=kUglkrBM3Zk:eciMhz1klBY:-BTjWOF_DHI" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=kUglkrBM3Zk:eciMhz1klBY:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?i=kUglkrBM3Zk:eciMhz1klBY:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ViktorsDiy/~4/kUglkrBM3Zk" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://diy.viktak.com/2014/02/giving-new-life-to-lcd-screens-from-old.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873071084242139530.post-36214684688756762972014-01-22T17:45:00.001+02:002014-01-22T17:45:28.015+02:00Quick fix: Sony Bravia KDL-46EX402 TV Firmware Update ProblemViktor Takacshttps://plus.google.com/113144804525911661050noreply@blogger.com0
Note: The problem and solution(s) described in this article are related to the Sony Bravia KDL-46EX402 television, but they may affect other televisions in the Sony Bravia line.
Introduction
I have a Sony Bravia KDL-46EX402 TV that after a couple of years of operation I decided to upgrade it to the latest firmware that I found on the official web site. In the Downloads section I found the <div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=NfGNFjfB4TE:aKSJPwlgRw8:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=NfGNFjfB4TE:aKSJPwlgRw8:-BTjWOF_DHI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?i=NfGNFjfB4TE:aKSJPwlgRw8:-BTjWOF_DHI" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=NfGNFjfB4TE:aKSJPwlgRw8:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?i=NfGNFjfB4TE:aKSJPwlgRw8:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ViktorsDiy/~4/NfGNFjfB4TE" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://diy.viktak.com/2014/01/quick-fix-sony-bravia-kdl-46ex402-tv.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873071084242139530.post-64675536001090255072014-01-09T10:13:00.000+02:002014-01-09T10:13:42.960+02:00Upgrading the Hard Disk in a Verbatim Gigabit NAS External Hard DriveViktor Takacshttps://plus.google.com/113144804525911661050noreply@blogger.com0
Introduction
I have been using a 500GB Verbatim Gigabit NAS External Hard Drive for backup purposes for the last few years with no problem - I can recommend it to anyone. Now, that I ran out of space I looked into the possibility of replacing its hard disk for a bigger one (economic solution) rather than getting a new NAS (ideal solution). The disk that used to be in it can be used for some <div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=kReu35mQmtU:wVKvUxh13ME:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=kReu35mQmtU:wVKvUxh13ME:-BTjWOF_DHI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?i=kReu35mQmtU:wVKvUxh13ME:-BTjWOF_DHI" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=kReu35mQmtU:wVKvUxh13ME:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?i=kReu35mQmtU:wVKvUxh13ME:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ViktorsDiy/~4/kReu35mQmtU" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://diy.viktak.com/2014/01/upgrading-hard-disk-in-verbatim-gigabit.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873071084242139530.post-26941120654597207562013-12-14T21:36:00.000+02:002013-12-14T21:36:02.690+02:00Digital Picture Frame - My WayViktor Takacshttps://plus.google.com/113144804525911661050noreply@blogger.com0
Finished look
Introduction
Years ago, before I started this blog, I created a digital picture frame out of an old laptop and two wooden picture frames from IKEA. The choice of operating system was Windows XP because I had a license that I didn't need any more and, coming from a strong Windows background, it was the obvious and comfortable choice for me. This setup has worked well for <div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=8dFzzlhSXYk:JjwQ59JMIp0:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=8dFzzlhSXYk:JjwQ59JMIp0:-BTjWOF_DHI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?i=8dFzzlhSXYk:JjwQ59JMIp0:-BTjWOF_DHI" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=8dFzzlhSXYk:JjwQ59JMIp0:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?i=8dFzzlhSXYk:JjwQ59JMIp0:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ViktorsDiy/~4/8dFzzlhSXYk" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://diy.viktak.com/2013/12/digital-picture-frame-my-way.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873071084242139530.post-49628087280323883262013-11-21T21:01:00.000+02:002013-11-21T21:01:35.620+02:00Quick fix: MPLAB X Cannot Connect to PicKit2 or PicKit3Viktor Takacshttps://plus.google.com/113144804525911661050noreply@blogger.com0
Problem
After an update of some software on a 64 bit Windows computer you might run into the following message when you start MPLAB X:
Also, when you try to program your device it fails.
PICkit2:
Loading code from F:/Projects/PIC/LilBang.X/dist/default/production/LilBang.X.production.hex...Loading symbols from F:/Projects/PIC/LilBang.X/dist/default/production/<div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=PejEmT5-5Ig:F9RjKdeoqEY:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=PejEmT5-5Ig:F9RjKdeoqEY:-BTjWOF_DHI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?i=PejEmT5-5Ig:F9RjKdeoqEY:-BTjWOF_DHI" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=PejEmT5-5Ig:F9RjKdeoqEY:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?i=PejEmT5-5Ig:F9RjKdeoqEY:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ViktorsDiy/~4/PejEmT5-5Ig" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://diy.viktak.com/2013/11/quick-fix-mplab-x-cannot-connect-to.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873071084242139530.post-64670790295752028302013-11-10T10:30:00.000+02:002013-11-10T10:30:42.639+02:00Using a DD-WRT Compatible Router to Stop ISPs from Accessing Your LANViktor Takacshttps://plus.google.com/113144804525911661050noreply@blogger.com0
Introduction
A couple of months ago I called our ISP's customer support line as our speeds dropped significantly. This happened overnight, with no warning, or any apparent reason (change of hardware, software, or even our internet usage habits). Furthermore, this was not the first time it happened - in the last few years it has happened about once a year at random intervals. Every time I <div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=mq9aVmE-5e0:fj0pDDYX69A:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=mq9aVmE-5e0:fj0pDDYX69A:-BTjWOF_DHI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?i=mq9aVmE-5e0:fj0pDDYX69A:-BTjWOF_DHI" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=mq9aVmE-5e0:fj0pDDYX69A:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?i=mq9aVmE-5e0:fj0pDDYX69A:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ViktorsDiy/~4/mq9aVmE-5e0" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://diy.viktak.com/2013/11/using-dd-wrt-compatible-router-to-stop.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873071084242139530.post-30359268079787874722013-10-14T11:43:00.000+03:002013-10-14T17:33:35.517+03:00Making Your Own Test LeadsViktor Takacshttps://plus.google.com/113144804525911661050noreply@blogger.com4
Introduction
I am a regular on eBay and 99% of the time I successfully source items from China. The key for this success rate is knowing what to order and what to expect for your money. However, recently I ordered a number of test leads from China for about USD2.50 for 10 pieces. My thinking was like this: What can go wrong with a piece of wire? Now I know: a lot!
First impressions
When <div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=6tD9qFhaWNQ:LeUxbmQ08Zw:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=6tD9qFhaWNQ:LeUxbmQ08Zw:-BTjWOF_DHI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?i=6tD9qFhaWNQ:LeUxbmQ08Zw:-BTjWOF_DHI" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=6tD9qFhaWNQ:LeUxbmQ08Zw:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?i=6tD9qFhaWNQ:LeUxbmQ08Zw:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ViktorsDiy/~4/6tD9qFhaWNQ" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://diy.viktak.com/2013/10/making-your-own-test-leads.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873071084242139530.post-20191923688360876182013-09-06T11:10:00.000+03:002013-09-06T11:10:16.154+03:00Bipolar Stepper Motor Driver Circuit with LMD18245Viktor Takacshttps://plus.google.com/113144804525911661050noreply@blogger.com0
Introduction
For some time I have been planning to build a number of devices that make use of stepper motors. Since I have no experience in using stepper motors I had no idea what parts, what driver and controller circuits I would need to get them running.
After extensive research on the internet I decided to make a bipolar stepper motor driver based on Texas Instuments' LMD18245, <div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=TZQpr_sh6ho:uF-_MHFPMB0:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=TZQpr_sh6ho:uF-_MHFPMB0:-BTjWOF_DHI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?i=TZQpr_sh6ho:uF-_MHFPMB0:-BTjWOF_DHI" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=TZQpr_sh6ho:uF-_MHFPMB0:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?i=TZQpr_sh6ho:uF-_MHFPMB0:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ViktorsDiy/~4/TZQpr_sh6ho" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://diy.viktak.com/2013/09/bipolar-stepper-motor-driver-circuit.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873071084242139530.post-54903474741982932022013-08-21T19:55:00.000+03:002013-08-23T17:46:36.056+03:00Fixing a Smoking Lenovo D550 LaptopViktor Takacshttps://plus.google.com/113144804525911661050noreply@blogger.com0
Introduction
A friend of mine called me the other day with a laptop problem: his Lenovo G550 laptop suddenly stopped working - and some smoke was coming out of it. I thought to myself, that once there is smoke, there's not much to do. I agreed to take it apart and have a look at the insides of the laptop - there might be something that I can fix.
Source: Lenovo.com
Finding and <div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=d8FQO4wihS8:4o57MEw8j6Q:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=d8FQO4wihS8:4o57MEw8j6Q:-BTjWOF_DHI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?i=d8FQO4wihS8:4o57MEw8j6Q:-BTjWOF_DHI" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=d8FQO4wihS8:4o57MEw8j6Q:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?i=d8FQO4wihS8:4o57MEw8j6Q:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ViktorsDiy/~4/d8FQO4wihS8" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://diy.viktak.com/2013/08/fixing-smoking-lenovo-d550-laptop.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873071084242139530.post-87645576632182274942013-07-22T13:05:00.000+03:002013-10-22T20:03:52.606+03:00Controlling a Controller - Proof of ConceptViktor Takacshttps://plus.google.com/113144804525911661050noreply@blogger.com1
Introduction
I have seen many interesting modifications of (mostly) game controllers on the internet. They all have one thing common: they were specific to the controller in question. I wanted to design something that could be attached to any controller, regardless if it uses positive logic (button pressed = logic high), negative logic (button pressed = logic low), or something else (button <div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=2tARfvuBLkM:uUhv3QLmabs:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=2tARfvuBLkM:uUhv3QLmabs:-BTjWOF_DHI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?i=2tARfvuBLkM:uUhv3QLmabs:-BTjWOF_DHI" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=2tARfvuBLkM:uUhv3QLmabs:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?i=2tARfvuBLkM:uUhv3QLmabs:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ViktorsDiy/~4/2tARfvuBLkM" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://diy.viktak.com/2013/07/controlling-controller-proof-of-concept.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873071084242139530.post-81694042661295817022013-05-10T20:35:00.000+03:002013-10-22T20:06:17.636+03:00Spindicator Clone with Pulse and Trail EffectViktor Takacshttps://plus.google.com/113144804525911661050noreply@blogger.com0
Introduction
Although my "original" Spindicator itself was just a clone of this one, mine was well received by the geeks around the world! :) A fellow diy tinkerer made an even better one with PWM control (very cool, indeed!).
Recently, I was asked to do something similar for a custom XBOX 360 enclosure project. So I got back to the drawing board and came up with a design that would have<div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=x5Tyqx2dXgo:hRJlU3LYS7k:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=x5Tyqx2dXgo:hRJlU3LYS7k:-BTjWOF_DHI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?i=x5Tyqx2dXgo:hRJlU3LYS7k:-BTjWOF_DHI" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=x5Tyqx2dXgo:hRJlU3LYS7k:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?i=x5Tyqx2dXgo:hRJlU3LYS7k:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ViktorsDiy/~4/x5Tyqx2dXgo" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://diy.viktak.com/2013/05/spindicator-clone-with-pulse-and-trail.htmltag:blogger.com,1999:blog-873071084242139530.post-55475821200912881572013-04-30T20:16:00.000+03:002013-04-30T20:18:03.891+03:00Mini SIM Card to Micro SIM Card conversionViktor Takacshttps://plus.google.com/113144804525911661050noreply@blogger.com1
Introduction
After months of waiting for my new mobile phone when I finally received it and wanted to use it it turned out that it takes a micro SIM card instead of the mini SIM card my previous phone has been using. I knew that the SIM cards have gone through some extensive shrinking in the past, it just simply didn't occur to me that I might run into this problem.
After some research I <div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=baZdkoePzVc:SLgtGW2JSN4:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=baZdkoePzVc:SLgtGW2JSN4:-BTjWOF_DHI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?i=baZdkoePzVc:SLgtGW2JSN4:-BTjWOF_DHI" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?a=baZdkoePzVc:SLgtGW2JSN4:gIN9vFwOqvQ"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/ViktorsDiy?i=baZdkoePzVc:SLgtGW2JSN4:gIN9vFwOqvQ" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/ViktorsDiy/~4/baZdkoePzVc" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://diy.viktak.com/2013/04/mini-sim-card-to-micro-sim-card.html